5 Undoubtedly Clear Signs You Need to See the Dentist Immediately

Knowing when to visit your dentist will save you from a whole lot of embarrassment, discomfort, and money. Unfortunately, so many people care less about their dental health.

I get it, we all have busy lives and so many things are demanding our attention daily. Sadly, not all dental conditions can go unattended to for that long. Moreover, you need to take care of yourself first if you hope to stay fit and well enough to attend to your business.

The great news is that your mouth gives out warning signs when it is time to pay a visit to the dentist and for those who are attentive, all will eventually be well.

So how do you know when to visit the dentist? Here are 5 clear signs that you should see your dentist immediately.

1) PAIN.

One of the first indicators to any form of an ongoing problem with the body is a pain. Only a few people can neglect this natural signal.

Pain in the mouth is a clear message that something is wrong and a visit to the dentist is necessary. The pain can be a pointer to ongoing infection, the presence of a dental cavity, or something much worse.

If chewing food or taking cold or warm drinks trigger a sharp shooting pain in your mouth, then the message is clear.

Don’t always assume that the pain will fade away in a few days or try to suppress the pain to avoid a visit to the dentist. The root of the problem might be worse than imagined.

2) BAD BREATH.

Mouth odor is embarrassing. It is more worrisome when brushing does little to help. Once you sense that people are keeping a safe distance from you during a conversation, a visit to your dentist is the best option.

Bad breath could be as a result of your diet or medication. It could also be secondary to gum disease, bacterial plaque or uncontrolled diabetes.

Only your dentist can tell.

3) INFLAMED OR BLEEDING GUMS.

Swollen gums should be a cause for concern. When it starts to bleed, an urgent trip to the dentist is the safest bet.

While a bleeding gum might be as a result of aggressive brushing, persistent bleeding is indicative of gingivitis, periodontitis or other related inflammatory conditions that present similarly.

Dentists are your friends and their medical training empowers them to find the cause of your bleeding gum and draft a treatment plan for you without delay.

4) SENSITIVE TEETH.

Are you familiar with that uncomfortable sensation to hot or cold drinks? This isn't necessarily a painful sensation but it is unusual and you know that.

That’s a clear sign that you should see your dentist today. A tooth decay affecting the surface of the teeth can lead to this discomforting sensation.

When you neglect this symptom, the sensitivity progresses to pain until it finally becomes unbearable. Do the smart thing by booking an early appointment.

5) COLOR CHANGES.

As you floss and brush your mouth, take care to notice any new or strange color changes in the mouth. Pay particular attention to your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue.

Make sure there is no discoloration, ulcer or unusual growth in the mouth. For example, white spots on the teeth are early signs of tooth decay.

So, don't turn a blind eye to any of these warning signs in the mouth. It is better to seek professional help early before complications arise.

If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, book an appointment with a dentist today.

Author: Hezekiah is a Freelance writer and a health professional. Reach out to him on Upwork.